2020-Present

28/10/2020

With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the UK and the world, there was a strong possibility that the 2020 W.A.B competition would not be able to go ahead. However the team were committed to find a way to make it happen safely if there was any possibility.

After the first lockdown pubs were able to open for a short window, with limited numbers and restrictions in place. The W.A.B team complied with all of these rules, including members taking a COVID test ahead of the competition. The 2020 competition squeezed in just days before the second lockdown was announced.

The Rifle Volunteer took first place again for the third year in a row as well as awards in the Atmosphere and Value for Money categories. A few pubs struggled with operating during COVID restrictions and whilst the team tried to give as much leniency for items outside of their control, it did impact on some scores.

 Despite this we want to thank all the pubs we visited and we are glad that the competition was able to go ahead.

20/07/2021

2021 would see more COVID restrictions fall in place across the country. The team managed to fit in the annual competition in July, but had to compile with the restrictions in place such as masks, table service and 10pm curfews. Despite the challenge, we were able to visit all pubs successfully.

Ye Olde Thirsty Pig took victory from The Rifle Volunteers by just one point, who previously looked unstoppable after winning the competition for three consecutive years. Ye Olde Thirsty Pig also picked up awards in the Atmosphere, Staff Friendliness and Real Ale categories.

The Fisherman’s Arm’s rode higher up the table taking the third place spot as well as the Facilities category award in recognition of huge renovation work to improve their garden and outdoor area.

As well as The Duke of Marlborough and Cellars Alehouse, The Coach House (previously The Queen Anne) took a Highly Commended award for their recent renovations.

24/08/2022

W.A.B reached a major milestone in 2022 as we marked 10 years of the competition. This was also the year that the new trophy was introduced after the previous trophy filled up with winners.

2022 was the first year since COVID that the competition didn’t see any restrictions in place when visiting pubs.

Ye Olde Thirsty Pig battled at the top of the table again against The Riffle Volunteers and managed to retain their title. 

Cellars Alehouse moved high up the table with a third-place finish and another award for their fantastic real ale. Craft Brewed entered the competition after recently opening and finished in 9th place, which is impressive for a new entry.

Ashes Sports Bar was the only venue to win a category award outside of the top three. The venue has maintained it’s place in the competition on legacy grounds after originally being registered as a 'Public House'.

Well done to all the pubs which took place!

02/12/2023

The 2023 W.A.B competition was a different competition to normal with this being the first time that the competition was held in the winter months. It was also only the second time that the competition had been held on a Saturday. Traditionally it was hard for W.A.B to take place on a weekend due to the pubs being full during the evenings and being unable to serve large numbers of drinkers in a short window.

Sadly since COVID a lot of pubs have seen a decline in visitors so a lot of them welcomed the support on the weekend.

The Rifle Volunteers took the awards back from Ye Olde Thirsty who had won the award for the two previous years. Previous winner The Flower Pot slipped down to seventh place but was still able to maintain the Real Ale category award.

Craft Brewed made their second appearance in the the competition and shook up the competition with an impressive third place finish.

The Papermakers was visited but sadly closed when the team arrived. This was the first year the Muggleton Inn was unable to take part in the competition due to a temporary closure during a renovation.